Michelin-starred restaurants - statistics & facts
Being awarded a Michelin star, or preferably three, is the ambition of many restaurateurs. Over the past century, the Michelin Guide, awarder of these stars, has grown exponentially and now rates restaurants all over the world. In 2023, Michelin’s home nation, France, was the country with the most Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide, with 636. When looking at a breakdown of the Michelin-starred restaurants in France, only 30 of these establishments were rewarded three Michelin stars.
However, it is not only cities that gain recognition for their culinary brilliance, but also chefs. In a day and age where talented chefs can become famous TV stars, it is often thought that the chefs themselves are awarded Michelin stars. This is a common misconception; it is actually the restaurants that are awarded stars. The chef with the most Michelin stars awarded to their restaurants was Frenchman Joël Robuchon, with 31 stars.
While many restaurants they visit will be on the expensive side, Michelin also awards restaurants the “Bib Gourmand”. This award highlights establishments that offer the best value for money and a simpler style of cooking. That said, the company does not look to be retiring from rating fine dining establishments anytime soon.
Why are restaurants given a Michelin star?
The Michelin Guides, travel guides produced by French tire company Michelin, started awarding one star to fine dining establishments in the mid-1920s. Interest in these ratings grew, and the company later introduced the one-to-three-star rating system, which we know today. The current rating system for Michelin starred restaurants is as follows: 1-star “A very good restaurant in its category”, 2-stars “Excellent cooking, worth a detour”, and finally, 3-stars "Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey”.What city has the most Michelin starred restaurants in the world?
The city with the most Michelin starred restaurants worldwide in 2024 was Tokyo, Japan, with a grand total of 194 Michelin-starred restaurants. Not only does a Japanese city top the ranking, but they also make up three out of the top five cities. That said, Tokyo was not the city with the most expensive Michelin-starred restaurants, this went to Copenhagen, Denmark, with tasting menus reaching an average of 443 U.S. dollars.However, it is not only cities that gain recognition for their culinary brilliance, but also chefs. In a day and age where talented chefs can become famous TV stars, it is often thought that the chefs themselves are awarded Michelin stars. This is a common misconception; it is actually the restaurants that are awarded stars. The chef with the most Michelin stars awarded to their restaurants was Frenchman Joël Robuchon, with 31 stars.
The secret identities of Michelin’s inspectors
Many diners will find themselves paying a pretty penny to eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant. However, some places are more expensive than others. In 2024, the country with the most expensive Michelin-starred restaurants was Denmark, with tasting menus reaching an average of 314 U.S. dollars. Since they dine incognito, even the Michelin inspectors must pay for their meals. This allows them to receive the most authentic dining experience and review a restaurant as truthfully as possible.While many restaurants they visit will be on the expensive side, Michelin also awards restaurants the “Bib Gourmand”. This award highlights establishments that offer the best value for money and a simpler style of cooking. That said, the company does not look to be retiring from rating fine dining establishments anytime soon.
